Kansas soldier dies in Iraq

Leavenworth (Kan.) Times

Tuesday

Jul 31, 2007 at 12:01 AMJul 31, 2007 at 2:22 PM

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. -- Leavenworth soldier Sgt. Courtney Dean Finch, a member of the 714th Security Force of the Kansas National Guard, died Monday in Iraq of unknown causes. His death is under investigation, but it is known that the cause was not combat-related.

Leavenworth soldier Sgt. Courtney Dean Finch, a member of the 714th Security Force of the Kansas National Guard, died Monday in Iraq of unknown causes. His death is under investigation, but it is known that the cause was not combat-related.

“I’m saddened to learn of the loss of Sgt. Finch, who has served his country bravely,” said Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his fellow soldiers.”

Finch, 27, enlisted in the National Guard with Company C, 1st Battalion 635th Armor Division in Lenexa as a Tank Crewman.

He completed his basic combat training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and advanced individual training in Fort Knox, Ky. Finch had more than six years of military service.

He deployed with the 1st Battalion 635th Armor Division to Kosovo in support of Operation Task Force Falcon in the Balkans from October 2004 to February 2006.

Finch deployed with the 714th SECFOR to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in June 2006, where SECFOR is currently providing force protection.

His awards include Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device and the German Army Marksmanship-Silver.

“The sacrifices our soldiers make for their country are tremendous and I grieve for each family who receives this kind of unfortunate news,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, adjutant general. “I am so grateful for the service of Sgt. Finch and will pray for his family as they go through this difficult time.”

Visitation was Tuesday. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery. The public is invited to a reception after the funeral at VFW Post 56.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Kansas Military Emergency Relief Fund in care of the Kansas Adjutant General Department, 2800 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66611.